In a series of self-portraits, Gita interrogates aspects of Selvadurai’s own dual cultural identity in a series of embellished photographic textiles.
Gita confronts the often exoticised perceptions of South Asian culture.
In utilising decorative cultural artefacts associated with the traditional, cultural and contemporary experiences of South Asian women, this work simultaneously addresses the transition from girlhood to womanhood and performative identity politics.
With a keen interest in materiality, Selvadurai employed silk, a traditional medium for saris, to create large scale tapestry prints.
Installed works from the exhibition ‘the names our mothers gave us’ (2019). Photograph by hendrix brendon arnold
In response to a collection of photographic family archives gifted to Selvadurai by her paternal grandmother. Dust and Tears seeks to honour and memorialise the family members she never knew. Fuelled by nostalgia and recalling the colour and imagery from trips to the paternal motherlands of Malaysia and Sri Lanka, Selvadurai has created a series of colour enhanced images that pay homage to her ancestors and a time and place she never knew.
My Garland For You explores Selvadurais’ experiences with Hinduism and how they fit within the context of Aotearoa.
Spice Girl explores representations of the South Asian body. Referring to the tensions of having a dual cultural identity.
Implementing anthropological colonial-style photography in this series, Selvadurai aims to decolonise the subject by breaking down power relationships between the photographer and the subject.
Spice Girl ultimately aims to create an inclusive space for modern South Asian, mixed heritage and children of the diaspora to exist.
a small collection of personal 35mm film photographs
A small selection of commercial work for Nisa